2006 Annual Appeal Letter

Board of Directors

John F.B. Haney, M.D.

Chairman

Ethel Mantzaris

President

David Correll

Treasurer

Margaret Martin, Ph.D.

Secretary

F. Jean Bennett

Member at Large

Christopher Burke

Member at Large

Janet Jones

Member at Large

Christine Robinson

Member at Large

Janit Romayko

Member at Large

 

Rev. Irene Romney

Member at Large

 

Dear Friends:

Perception Programs has had an exciting and gratifying year. Outpatient Services and Administration were combined in our newly purchased and renovated building at 54 North Street , in the heart of the city. This is making access to care even easier for our clients. The building has been named for our Board Chairman, John Haney, a founder of the agency. Following are a number of this year's highlights.

Weed and Seed : We are a key participant in a Federal Grant known as Weed and Seed, which is a town-wide undertaking. Our Outpatient Substance Abuse Services provide “the seed” through quick access to substance abuse treatment while the Willimantic Police “weed-out” the criminal in the community. Through this effort, we have engaged more people in treatment and built stronger community alliances with the town, schools, police and faith community. 

Drug Intervention Program: ‘J', a client sent to us by the Court as part of our Drug Intervention Program, was selected as the national recipient for the Successful Drug Court Graduate Award given this Fall. During treatment with us, she had a serious overdose, went inpatient at Perception House, had to undergo surgery and lost her grandmother. Against the odds, ‘J' began to live a clean and sober lifestyle, found a job, reconnected with her family and graduated the program!

Spanish Language Video and School Prevention Project: We produced a Spanish language video about addiction for the families of substance abusers. Also in conjunction with Windham Public Schools, we are working with high-risk 7 th , 8 th and 9 th grade Latino students and their families to educate the entire household about addiction.

Community Service: The Alternative Incarceration Center , Community Service Crews, completed a few notable projects.  They helped build a Habitat for Humanity house in Danielson from the ground up, set up the ‘walks' for local Relay for Life events and with the Willimantic Garden Society, planted and put in railings for a downtown parking lot. In March they will be planting “The Garden on the Bridge”.

Your contributions give us flexibility to seek innovative approaches to fighting the drug problem. Please join us and make Perception Programs your year-end charitable priority. Thank you so much for your support. Enclosed is a reply form and envelope for your convenience. Best wishes for a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,

Christine Robinson

Chair, Fundraising Committee

Linda Mastrianni

Executive Director
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